Aluminium Extrusion
Manufacturers
Design & manufacture of bespoke
aluminium extrusions and profiles
ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION MANUFACTURERS
Aluminium is a lightweight, strong and corrosion resistant material, meaning its perfect for use across several purposes and industries. The process of aluminium extrusion can shape this versatile metal into lengths in complex and intricate cross sections because of its malleability.
The metal is shaped by a die which we design specifically for each client based on the needs of their profile. Our team will work closely with you throughout the process, allowing for the design, machining and finishing of a high quality aluminium profile which is specifically designed and created to meet your requirements.
ALUMINIUM: USES AND QUALITIES
Because aluminium has an oxide layer, it has a greater resistance to corrosion than other metals. The chemistry of aluminium means that even when this oxide layer is disturbed or damaged it repairs itself with immediate effect. This property means that it is well suited for use in external construction purposes, used in window frames and door frames, well as in fencing posts.
Aluminium is also an especially light-weight metal, about a third of the weight of steel, whilst also being very strong. This favourable strength to weight ratio makes it perfect for use in the aviation industry, where any extra weight can increase fuel costs. Equally this is the case in the logistics industry, where aluminium is also used to allow for the creation of lighter weight transport. Extruded aluminium has a tensile strength of between 160-300 MPa (megapascal pressure unit) provided it is used within a standard temperature range.
It is also a non magnetic metal. Given the use of magnetism in some medical processes, aluminium is a vital component. Its also very reflective, making it ideal for use in domestic light fittings. This makes for more efficient fittings, with more light reaching the room. Again here, the light weight quality of aluminium makes it easier to fit to walls and ceilings. Extruded aluminium is used in LED light profiles.
The ductility of aluminium means it can easily be machined and manufactured into extruded profiles as well as other formed metal components and units. The result is that lower energy inputs are required for machining aluminium versus working other metals into more complex forms and shapes. This lowers the cost of creating metal parts and profiles. The fact that aluminium is also completely recyclable is also a significant bonus for many companies, lessening cost and environmental impact. Recycled aluminium can go from recycling bins back into packaging in shops or industrial use in under 6 weeks.
CUSTOM MADE ALUMINIUM PROFILES
At Aluminium Profiles UK, we design each profile to be unique to our client’s needs. We don’t offer off the shelf solutions, but instead create a bespoke design which follows your specifications. This is also reflected in the machining and finishing processes.
The process starts with the preparation of the aluminium units in their initial cylindrical form. This involves applying a great deal of heat to the metal, which makes it more malleable still. The temperatures, often of around 500 Celsius, increase the ductile properties of aluminium, meaning it can be shaped into the final profile more easily.
Our international partners use immensely effective apparatus for applying the necessary pressure to the aluminium, meaning that a better quality of extrusion is produced. Where high levels of pressure aren’t applied to billets, higher starting temperatures are required of the metal in order to drive them through the die. Because this creates great fluidity within the meta,, the aluminium tends to follow the path of least resistance as it passes through the die, meaning that it doesn’t pass through more complex or intricate areas of design with the same consistency. With our experience and expertise in the industry, we’re on hand to advise which manufacturing emphasis is most suitable for your extrusion, devising a cost effective approach which will deliver an excellent quality of outcome.
The central element of the aluminium extrusion process is the die. This is the opening through which the metal is driven to create the profile. The shape of the die is created and designed specifically based on your requirements. Complex and intricate shapes can be created by a well constructed die. Really high volumes of pressure are applied to the metal at this stage, forcing the aluminium through the die, and creating a cross section of the metal in a long profile form. The metal is then cooled and cut into the required lengths. Again, these are dictated by your needs. From start to finish, the service which we offer is specifically for you.
